An antique Japanese Wooden 小箪笥 Kodansu / Document Chest Dated 1904 (Meiji 37) – Signed "Kawabata" A late Meiji-period Japanese Kodansu (small portable storage chest or document strongbox). Crafted from traditional thick-plank Japanese wood, this sturdy box features a single deep drawer secured by a prominent iron drop-handle and a stylized flower/gourd-shaped locking plate (no key present). An handle is fixed to the top surface, indicating it was intended to serve as a transportable chest for valuables, family seals, deeds, or important paper records. The bottom panel bears a beautifully preserved, original black ink inscription providing an explicit provenance: Date: 明治参拾七年 二月上旬 (Meiji 37th Year, Early February), corresponding to February 1904. The formal kanji character for thirty (参拾) was deliberately used to prevent forgery or alteration. Owner/Lineage: 川端氏 (Mr. Kawabata / The Kawabata Family), indicating this was a custom commission or family heirloom rather than a commercial piece. Height = 16.3 cm Width = 22 cm Depth = 29.2 cm Weight = 1725 g Good, honest antique condition with a rich, dark natural patina reflecting its 120+ year age. Structure is solid. Some ink stains on the bottom of the drawer. The original hand-wrought iron hardware is firmly attached. There is normal age-related surface wear, superficial scratches, and minor shrinkage lines in the wood grain as expected with authentic period pieces. The bottom ink inscription remains completely sharp, vibrant, and legible. No key included. For a good impression, please watch all photos carefully. Insured shipping. Can also be collected in Ghent, Belgium.